Updating your Windows operating system using the Windows Update feature should be a simple and straightforward process. Just go to Windows Update, check for all available updates, then install all of the available ones. Unfortunately, there are more factors involved during the update process and even minor problems with any of these factors can lead to errors, and ultimately, installation failure.

One of the commonly encountered update errors is the error code 0xC1900101 – 0x30018. This is the update installation error that prevents Windows users from installing updates to the system and the apps. A lot of Windows users have reported encountering this error, especially when installing a major OS update. For example, several users have experienced this error as early as the 1903 build while others got this error when installing more recent builds of Windows 10.

This error causes a lot of inconvenience because Windows users are not able to proceed with the update. When users can’t install a specific update, the apps and system processes get left behind as Windows introduces more updates. And when the system is outdated, various errors and system problems are sure to crop up.

If the Windows 10 error code 0xC1900101 – 0x30018 has been hounding you and preventing you from installing any updates, this guide should be perfect for you. We’ll discuss the common causes of 0xC1900101 – 0x30018 on Windows 10 and some proven methods of dealing with this error.

What is the Error Code 0xC1900101 – 0x30018?

The error code 0xC1900101 – 0x30018 on Windows 10 is an update installation error that results in a blue screen of death. This error happens when users are installing a major update to the Windows operating system. For example, several users have reported getting this error when upgrading to a different Windows 10 build. This error can also appear when the computer is being upgraded from an old Windows version (Windows 7, 8, or 8.1) to Windows 10.

The error code 0xC1900101 – 0x30018 on Windows 10 is usually accompanied by this error message:

We couldn’t install Windows 10

We’ve set your PC back to the way it was right before started installing Windows 10.

0xC1900101 – 0x30018 failed in FIRST_BOOT phase with an error during SYSPREP_SPECIALIZE operation.

This error can be caused by a wide range of issues, including software incompatibility, corrupted installation files, device driver issues, poor internet connection, or malware infection. Microsoft is yet to release an official fix for this error, so users are left fending for themselves. You need to figure out what’s causing the error to facilitate the troubleshooting process. But if you can’t zero in on the root cause of the problem, you can simply try all the solutions below to see which one works for you.

How to Fix 0xC1900101 – 0x30018 on Windows 10

When you’re doing a major update installation or operating system upgrade, you need to ensure that you have made the necessary preparations to prevent errors such as 0xC1900101 – 0x30018 from ruining the whole process. Here are some basic steps you need to perform before clicking that Update button:

Disable your antivirus or anti-malware software temporarily to prevent it from interfering with the update process. Turn off your firewall as well. Don’t forget to turn it back on after the error has been resolved.

Switch to a wired connection if possible. If you don’t have a cable connection, try moving closer to the router or modem so you get better Wi-Fi connection.

Use a PC cleaner software to get rid of all junk files that might be lurking in your system.

If you’re using a laptop, make sure it has enough battery or plug it into the charger so it doesn’t die out during the update installation.

If you’ve done the above steps and you still encountered the error 0xC1900101 – 0x30018 on Windows 10, proceed to the solutions below:

Solution #1: Use Windows Troubleshooter.

Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter to help users fix common problems, including update failures. This tool is useful for not-so-techy Windows users because it simplifies the whole process. To use the Windows Troubleshooter to fix the error code 0xC1900101 – 0x30018 on Windows 10, follow the steps below:

Click on the Start button and select Settings.

Click Update & Security section, then click Troubleshoot.

Click on the Windows Update option and run the Troubleshooter.

Follow the on-screen instructions to find out whether there is a problem with the Windows Update services and processes. The troubleshooter automatically fixes the errors that were detected.

Once the process has been completed, navigate back to the Troubleshoot menu and click the Internet Connections troubleshooter.

Run the troubleshooter once again to see if you’re having internet connection problems.

Wait for the process to be completed, then check if the error has been resolved by installing the update once again.

Solution #2: Reset the Windows Update Components.

If there is something wrong with the Windows Update feature, resetting its component should help resolve any issues related to it. To do this, you need to follow the instructions below:

Open Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.

Quit the MSI Installer, Windows Update Services, BITS, and Cryptographic processes by typing in the following command in the Command Prompt window, followed by Enter:

net stop msiserver

net stop wuauserv

net stop bits

net stop cryptSvc

Rename the Catroot2 and Software Distribution folders by using these commands, followed by Enter:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

Restart the MSI Installer, Windows Update Services, BITS, and Cryptographic processes using these command lines, followed by Enter:

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

Your Windows Update feature should now be reset and the error should have been resolved. If not, proceed to the next step.

Solution #3: Try This Simple Registry Hotfix.

Several users have used this solution to fix the error code 0xC1900101 – 0x30018 on Windows 10 so it is worth checking out. This solution deleted any unused drivers on your computer that the Disk Cleanup tool couldn’t take care of.

To do this:

Open Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.

Type in the following command in the Command Prompt window, followed by Enter:rundll32.exe pnpclean.dll,RunDLL_PnpClean /DRIVERS /MAXCLEAN

Close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Tip: An easier way to clean up unused drivers is to run a PC cleaning tool. It will get rid of all unnecessary files and junk files on your computer to prevent errors, such as 0xC1900101 – 0x30018, from happening.

Once your computer has restarted, you can try installing the updates again.

Solution #4: Run the SFC and DISM Tools.

If the installation error is caused by a corrupt installation file or system file, running the System File Checker (SFC) tool should do the trick. If the SFC tool is not enough to fix the issue, you can use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) utility instead. Both of these tools require running commands using the Command Prompt.

To run the SFC tool, type in this command, followed by Enter:

sfc/scannow

To run the DISM tool, type in these commands, followed by Enter after each line:

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wait for the processes to be completed before installing the updates once again.

Solution #5: Install Windows via Media Creation Tool.

If you’re encountering this error when updating your Windows 10 operating system using the built-in update manager tool, you can install the updates using an .ISO file instead. You can download the installer via Microsoft’s website.

The tool will then start downloading the ISO file. Once it is done, the installation will be initiated. Follow the on-screen instructions for the installation process. The installation might take some time and your PC will restart several times, but this is part of the process.

Summary

Getting the error 0xC1900101 – 0x30018 on Windows 10 can be troublesome because you won’t be able to keep your system updated unless you fix this error. 0xC1900101 – 0x30018 is just one of the many installation errors Windows 10 users might encounter, but this error is more difficult to deal with because it can lead to a blue screen of death. If you get this error, you can try any of the solutions above to resolve it.